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Top 8 Best Shoes for Ankle Support

UpdatedApril 18, 2024

Ankle injuries are common, and they can happen to anyone. They can be caused by accidents, sports, or even everyday activities. Injuries like sprains and fractures can be painful and take a long time to heal. One way to prevent these injuries or help them heal faster is by wearing shoes with good ankle support.

Shoes with ankle support have features that help stabilize the ankle joint and prevent it from rolling or twisting. They can also help distribute the weight of the body more evenly, reducing the strain on the ankle. But with so many options available, it can be challenging to know which shoes are the best for ankle support.

When shopping for shoes with ankle support, it's essential to pay attention to the type of support they offer. Some shoes have a higher ankle collar that wraps around the ankle, while others have a firm midsole that helps prevent excess movement. The fit of the shoe is also crucial, as a shoe that is too tight or too loose can cause discomfort and even lead to injury.

We spent hours researching and testing various shoes to identify the best shoes for ankle support. Our top picks provide excellent ankle support, a comfortable fit, and durability, making them ideal for anyone looking to prevent or recover from ankle injuries.

Top 3 Best Shoes for Ankle Support

  1. KEEN Women's Targhee 3 Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boots
  2. Ryka Women's Devotion XT Mid Training Shoe
  3. Vionic Women's Momentum Whitley High Top Sneakers

We understand how important it is to have proper ankle support while engaging in physical activities or even while walking. Ankle injuries can be painful and take a long time to heal, so it's essential to choose the right pair of shoes to prevent them. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best shoes for ankle support that will help you stay comfortable and injury-free. Our team has carefully researched and tested these shoes to ensure they provide the necessary support and stability. So, whether you're an athlete or someone who spends a lot of time on their feet, we've got you covered. Check out our top picks below.

KEEN Women's Targhee 3 Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boots

Editor's choice

Impressed by KEEN Women's Targhee 3 Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boots. Dry feet in rain, unbeatable traction on wet rocks, and solid ankle support. Not the cushiest, but comfy for all-day hikes. Secure fit, extra comfort. Your go-to boots for reliable performance!

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If you're looking for a comfortable and durable pair of hiking boots that offer excellent ankle support, the KEEN Women's Targhee 3 Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boots are a great choice.

Pros

  • The KEEN.DRY waterproof breathable membrane keeps your feet dry and comfortable all day long.
  • The KEEN ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole provides high traction grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces.
  • The external support shank and mid cut height add ankle support and balance on uneven surfaces.

Cons

  • Some users with medium-high arches reported that they can feel their foot roll inward when they walk.
  • A few users found the boots to be slightly too small and had to return them for a larger size.
  • The lack of cushioning may be uncomfortable for some users.

We recently took these boots on a hiking trip and were impressed with their performance. The waterproof membrane kept our feet dry during a rainy hike, and the all-terrain rubber outsole provided excellent traction on wet and rocky surfaces. The mid cut height and external support shank also gave us the ankle support we needed on uneven terrain.

While the boots may not be the most cushioned, we found them to be comfortable for all-day wear. The padded tongue and collar added extra comfort, and the mid-profile upper provided a secure fit.

Overall, if you're looking for a reliable pair of hiking boots with excellent ankle support, the KEEN Women's Targhee 3 Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boots are a great choice.

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If you're looking for a comfortable and supportive shoe for dance fitness and low-impact workouts, the Ryka Women's Devotion XT Mid Training Shoe is a great option.

Pros

  • Exceptional cushioning throughout for standout comfort
  • Designed for a woman’s unique foot shape, muscle movement, and build
  • Padded tongue and collar for extra cushioning

Cons

  • May not provide enough support for high-impact workouts
  • Sizing may run small
  • Some users reported issues with laces loosening during wear

We found that the Ryka Women's Devotion XT Mid Training Shoe provided excellent cushioning and support, especially for dance fitness and low-impact workouts. The shoe's design is tailored to fit a woman's unique foot shape, which we appreciated. The padded tongue and collar also added an extra layer of comfort.

However, we did notice that the shoe may not provide enough support for high-impact workouts, so keep that in mind if you're looking for a shoe for activities like running or jumping. Additionally, some users reported that the sizing ran small, so make sure to double-check the sizing chart before ordering. Finally, a few users reported issues with the laces loosening during wear, so keep an eye on that as well.

Overall, we would recommend the Ryka Women's Devotion XT Mid Training Shoe for dance fitness and low-impact workouts. It's comfortable, supportive, and tailored to fit a woman's unique foot shape.

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These are a great choice for those looking for high-top sneakers with excellent ankle support.

Pros

  • Side-zip entry for easy on and off
  • Lightweight and flexible for all-day comfort
  • Water repellent to keep your feet dry in wet conditions

Cons

  • Some customers have reported a tight fit in the toe box
  • Arch support could be better
  • May cause rubbing on the back of the heel for some wearers

We love the Vionic Women's Momentum Whitley High Top Sneakers for their stylish design and excellent support. The side-zip entry makes them easy to put on and take off, while the lightweight and flexible construction ensures comfort all day long. The water repellent upper is a great feature for those who need to be outside in wet conditions.

However, some customers have reported a tight fit in the toe box, which may be uncomfortable for some. Additionally, the arch support could be better, especially for those with high arches. Finally, some wearers have experienced rubbing on the back of the heel, so it may be worth breaking these shoes in slowly to avoid discomfort.

Overall, we recommend the Vionic Women's Momentum Whitley High Top Sneakers for those looking for a stylish and supportive high-top sneaker.

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If you're looking for a budget-friendly pair of basketball shoes that offer great ankle support, then the WELRUNG Unisex's Basketball Shoes are a great option.

Pros

  • The ankle support is top-notch, making these shoes great for those with ankle problems.
  • The rubber sole offers good grip and traction, making them suitable for outdoor multisport training.
  • The mesh breathable design and vent holes keep your feet dry and comfortable during exercise.

Cons

  • The shoes have a stiff sole, which may take some time to break in.
  • The design of the shoes may not be to everyone's taste.
  • The quality of the shoes may not be the best, as some customers have reported issues with the seams falling apart.

We've been using these shoes for a few weeks now, and we're impressed with the level of ankle support they offer. The shoes are mid-top, which gives you flexibility in all directions, making them suitable for running around and bumping everywhere.

The shoes are designed for basketball and tennis players, but we've found them to be great for other outdoor multisport training activities, such as running, walking, hiking, climbing, travel, casual, and workout.

The textile lining is comfortable and helps to dry the sweat, making your feet feel breathable. The shoes come in four different colors: black, blue, green, and gold, so you can choose the one that best suits your style.

In summary, if you're looking for a budget-friendly pair of basketball shoes that offer great ankle support, then the WELRUNG Unisex's Basketball Shoes are a great option. They may not be the best quality shoes out there, but they offer good value for money.

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If you're looking for a stylish and comfortable shoe with good ankle support, the Dr. Scholl's Shoes Women's Insane Loafer is a great option.

Pros

  • The Be Free Energy Technology insole provides excellent comfort and support with three distinct zones.
  • The microsuede upper is both stylish and durable.
  • The flexible, durable rubber-blend lug sole provides good traction.

Cons

  • The shoes have a pointy toe, which may not be suitable for everyone's style.
  • The back zip can be difficult to slide easily.
  • The shoes may be too narrow for some people.

We've been wearing these shoes for a few weeks now and have found them to be very comfortable. The Be Free Energy Technology insole provides excellent support and cushioning, making them great for all-day wear. The microsuede upper is stylish and durable, and the perforated detailing adds a nice touch. The flexible, durable rubber-blend lug sole provides good traction, making them suitable for a variety of surfaces.

One downside to these shoes is that they have a pointy toe, which may not be suitable for everyone's style. Additionally, the back zip can be difficult to slide easily, which can be frustrating. Finally, the shoes may be too narrow for some people, so be sure to check the sizing carefully before purchasing.

Overall, we would recommend the Dr. Scholl's Shoes Women's Insane Loafer for anyone looking for a stylish and comfortable shoe with good ankle support.

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We highly recommend Joomra Women's Minimalist Trail Running Barefoot Shoes for those seeking shoes with excellent ankle support.

Pros

  • Rubber outsoles provide traction and durability on unpredictable terrain
  • Removable insoles support the feet's arches and transfer weight over the ball of the feet
  • Thicker topline wrapped perfectly around feet, ensuring shoes do not fall off during exercise

Cons

  • Not suitable for those who prefer shoes with cushioning
  • May take some time to get used to the minimalist design
  • Not recommended for those with extremely wide feet

These shoes are perfect for those who prefer minimalist shoes that provide maximum freedom of movement. The rubber sole and circular lug patterns offer excellent grip during movement, while the removable insoles provide arch support and distribute weight evenly. The thicker topline ensures that the shoes stay on during exercise, while the reflective strip on the heel counter increases safety during night-time workouts.

In conclusion, if you're looking for shoes that provide excellent ankle support and a minimalist design, Joomra Women's Minimalist Trail Running Barefoot Shoes are a great choice.

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If you're looking for a comfortable and stylish wedge bootie, the Dr. Scholl's Shoes Women's Harlow Ankle Boot might be a good choice.

Pros

  • The faux leather upper and almond toe give these boots an authentic and fashionable look.
  • The twin gores make them easy to slip on and off.
  • The 2 and 3/4 inch leather wrapped stacked platform sole provides good ankle support.

Cons

  • Some users have reported that the shoes are not very comfortable for extended periods of standing or walking.
  • The brown fabric around the base of the shoe can be easily scuffed or stained.
  • The shoes may run a bit small, so it's recommended to order half a size up.

We recently tried out the Dr. Scholl's Shoes Women's Harlow Ankle Boot and found that they are indeed stylish and easy to slip on and off. The almond toe gives them a classic look, while the perforated embellishment at the heel adds a bit of flair. The faux leather upper looks and feels good, and the twin gores make them easy to wear. We also appreciated the 2 and 3/4 inch leather wrapped stacked platform sole, which provided good ankle support.

However, we did notice that the shoes may not be the most comfortable for extended periods of standing or walking. Some users have reported that the shoes can cause discomfort after a few hours of wear. Additionally, we found that the brown fabric around the base of the shoe can be easily scuffed or stained, which may be a concern for some users. Finally, we recommend ordering half a size up, as the shoes may run a bit small.

Overall, we think that the Dr. Scholl's Shoes Women's Harlow Ankle Boot is a good choice for those looking for a stylish and comfortable wedge bootie with good ankle support. However, if you need a shoe that can handle extended periods of standing or walking, you may want to consider other options.

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We highly recommend the Vionic Women's Rest Bella Toe Post Sandal for those looking for a comfortable and supportive flip flop with arch support.

Pros

  • The EVA midsole reduces stress on knees and ankles.
  • Ideal for those with flat feet and plantar fasciitis.
  • Features Orthaheels signature biomechanical orthotic footbed and deep heel cup for improved balance, stability, and foot alignment.

Cons

  • Not suitable for those who prefer a more minimalist flip flop.
  • May take some time to break in and adjust to the arch support.
  • The thong strap may cause discomfort for those with sensitive toes.

The Vionic Women's Rest Bella Toe Post Sandal is a great choice for those seeking a flip flop with arch support. The EVA midsole provides excellent cushioning and reduces unnecessary stress on your knees and ankles. The Orthaheels signature biomechanical orthotic footbed and deep heel cup improve balance, stability, and foot alignment, making these sandals ideal for those with flat feet and plantar fasciitis.

One downside of the Vionic Women's Rest Bella Toe Post Sandal is that it may not be suitable for those who prefer a more minimalist flip flop. Additionally, it may take some time to break in and adjust to the arch support. The thong strap may also cause discomfort for those with sensitive toes.

Overall, the Vionic Women's Rest Bella Toe Post Sandal is an excellent choice for those in need of a comfortable and supportive flip flop with arch support. With the American Podiatry Association Seal of Acceptance, you can trust that these sandals are designed with your foot health in mind.

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If you're looking for a comfortable pair of flip flops with arch support, the Reef Ortho-Bounce Woven is a great choice.

Pros

  • The soft suede webbing liner means there's no break-in period required.
  • The anatomical arch support provides a refreshing feel of satisfaction every time you slip your feet into your Cushion Thread.
  • The super soft Reef Cushion EVA footbed and rubber sponge outsole provide amazing traction, protection, and durability.

Cons

  • The sizing runs a little small, so you may need to order a size up.
  • The woven design can be a little scratchy on the top of your foot.
  • The flip flops are a little on the expensive side.

We recently tried out the Reef Ortho-Bounce Woven and were impressed with their comfort and support. The soft suede webbing liner means there's no break-in period required, and the anatomical arch support provides a refreshing feel of satisfaction every time you slip your feet into your Cushion Thread. The super soft Reef Cushion EVA footbed and rubber sponge outsole provide amazing traction, protection, and durability, making them perfect for any adventure.

However, we did find that the sizing runs a little small, so you may need to order a size up. Additionally, the woven design can be a little scratchy on the top of your foot, which could be uncomfortable for some people. Finally, the flip flops are a little on the expensive side, so they may not be the best choice if you're on a tight budget.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the Reef Ortho-Bounce Woven to anyone looking for a comfortable and supportive pair of flip flops with arch support.

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We highly recommend purchasing Plaka Relief Flip Flops for Women with Arch Support if you are looking for a comfortable and versatile sandal.

Pros

  • The patented design soles make these flip flops extremely comfortable to wear every day.
  • The medium arch support helps reduce heel and back pain.
  • These flip flops are water-resistant, making them perfect for wearing on the beach or while kayaking.

Cons

  • These flip flops are ideally suited for narrow to medium size feet.
  • The straps have no stretch or give, so it is important to be cautious and make sure they fit properly.
  • Some users have reported that they did not last as long as they would have liked.

Plaka Relief Flip Flops are perfect for any vacation or everyday wear. The medium arch support helps reduce heel and back pain, making them a great option for those who spend a lot of time on their feet. Additionally, the water-resistant feature makes them a great choice for any outdoor activity.

The patented design soles make these flip flops extremely comfortable to wear every day. The ridged rubber sole provides excellent traction, making them perfect for exploring local towns or relaxing by the pool. Additionally, the timeless design means that they are suitable as a gift for women of all ages.

However, it is important to note that these flip flops are ideally suited for narrow to medium size feet. The straps have no stretch or give, so it is important to be cautious and make sure they fit properly. Additionally, some users have reported that they did not last as long as they would have liked.

Overall, Plaka Relief Flip Flops for Women with Arch Support are a great investment for anyone looking for a comfortable and versatile sandal.

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If you're looking for comfortable flip flops with arch support and a built-in bottle opener, then Reef Fanning Womens Sandals might be the perfect choice for you.

Pros

  • The sandals have a bottle opener on the sole, which is a fun and convenient feature.
  • The footbed is padded and contoured, providing excellent arch support and cushioning.
  • The sandals are water-friendly and durable, making them perfect for the beach or pool.

Cons

  • The sizing may be a bit off for some people, so it's important to check the size chart before ordering.
  • The straps may be a bit tight for some people, especially if you have wider feet.
  • The sandals may take some time to break in and become comfortable.

We recently tried out the Reef Fanning Womens Sandals and were impressed with their comfort and support. The footbed is contoured and cushioned, providing excellent arch support and shock absorption. The sandals are also water-friendly and durable, making them perfect for the beach or pool.

One of the standout features of these sandals is the built-in bottle opener on the sole. It's a fun and convenient feature that comes in handy when you're out and about. The sandals also have a rubber sole that provides good traction on wet surfaces.

However, we did find that the sizing may be a bit off for some people, so it's important to check the size chart before ordering. The straps may also be a bit tight for some people, especially if you have wider feet. It's also worth noting that the sandals may take some time to break in and become comfortable.

Overall, we think the Reef Fanning Womens Sandals are a great choice for anyone looking for comfortable flip flops with arch support and a fun feature. They're well-made, durable, and provide excellent support and cushioning for your feet.

Buying Guide

When looking for shoes with ankle support, there are several key features to consider. We recommend paying attention to the following factors when making your decision:

Fit

The most important aspect of any shoe is how it fits. Shoes that are too tight or too loose can cause discomfort and even injury. When trying on shoes, make sure to wear the socks you plan to wear with them and take a few steps to ensure they feel comfortable and secure.

Support

Ankle support is crucial for those with weak or injured ankles. Look for shoes with sturdy, supportive uppers that will hold your ankle in place. High-top shoes are a popular choice for ankle support, but mid-top and low-top options can also provide adequate support.

Cushioning

Shoes with good cushioning can help absorb shock and reduce the impact on your ankles. Look for shoes with ample padding in the sole and heel to provide a comfortable, supportive base for your feet.

Traction

Traction is important for preventing slips and falls, especially if you plan to wear your shoes on uneven or slippery surfaces. Look for shoes with a durable, non-slip sole to ensure stable footing.

Breathability

Breathable shoes can help keep your feet cool and dry, reducing the risk of blisters and other foot problems. Look for shoes with mesh or perforated uppers that allow air to circulate freely.

By considering these factors when shopping for shoes with ankle support, you can find a pair that will keep your feet comfortable and protected during any activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of wearing shoes with ankle support?

Wearing shoes with ankle support can provide stability and prevent ankle injuries. They can also help reduce pain and discomfort caused by existing ankle problems. Shoes with ankle support can also improve your posture and balance, which can lead to better overall performance during physical activities.

What should I look for in shoes with ankle support?

When looking for shoes with ankle support, it's important to consider the level of support you need. Shoes with high ankle support can be beneficial for those with weak or injured ankles, but they may not be necessary for everyone. It's also important to look for shoes with a secure fit and good traction to prevent slips and falls.

Are high-top shoes more effective in providing ankle support?

High-top shoes can provide additional ankle support, but they may not be necessary for everyone. The level of ankle support needed depends on the individual's specific needs and the type of physical activity they will be performing. Low-top shoes can also provide adequate ankle support for some individuals.

What are the best shoes for walking with ankle support?

When looking for shoes for walking with ankle support, it's important to look for shoes with a comfortable fit and good arch support. Some good options include walking shoes with a sturdy sole and good traction, as well as running shoes with added ankle support.

What are the best shoes for running with ankle support?

When looking for shoes for running with ankle support, it's important to look for shoes with a comfortable fit and good arch support. Running shoes with added ankle support can also be beneficial for those with weak or injured ankles. It's important to choose shoes with good shock absorption to reduce the impact on your ankles during running.

Can shoes with ankle support help prevent ankle injuries?

Shoes with ankle support can help prevent ankle injuries by providing stability and support during physical activities. However, it's important to also practice proper form and technique during physical activities to further reduce the risk of ankle injuries.

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